CHICAGO, July 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Norman E. Vinn, DO, an osteopathic family physician from San Clemente, Calif., was sworn in today as the 117th president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) in front of more than 500 of his fellow osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130720/DC50488 )

Dr. Vinn's exposure to osteopathic medicine began by watching the dedication his father, who was a DO, had to his patients and to the osteopathic medical profession. Years later, Dr. Vinn's own daughter, Vanessa S. Vinn, DO, would follow her father and grandfather into osteopathic medicine.

"The osteopathic medical profession has grown tremendously since the days when my father practiced and osteopathic medicine was still gaining acceptance in many parts of the country. Following in his footsteps, I am proud to lead my fellow DOs-including my daughter-as osteopathic medicine continues to grow and receive worldwide recognition," says Dr. Vinn. "As DOs remain committed to delivering a distinct form of medicine that emphasizes prevention and the health of the whole person, we can expect osteopathic medicine to play an ever-prominent role in the delivery and evolution of health care."

Delivering Health Care to the Patient's DoorAs founder of Housecall Doctors Medical Group, Inc., a home care network that provides on-site clinical services to more than 1,000 homebound elderly in Southern California'sOrange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Dr. Vinn is considered a leader in residentialist care, which focuses on the care of homebound or access-challenged patients.

In many ways, Dr. Vinn is embracing traditions of a bygone era, the family doctor making housecalls, and making it more efficient and effective by using technologies like electronic health records (EHRs) and scheduling support programs. An early EHR adopter and supporter of the patient-centered, team-based health care delivery model, Dr. Vinn recognized the new health record technology as a key connectivity tool. His practice's EHR system and other technological advancements provide staff the ability to access and share current health information and patient data in a timely fashion from inside a patient's home. This versatility combined with the practice's care delivery model has led to smoother transfers of care between physicians and other health care professionals, as well as fewer emergency room trips; hospital admissions and readmissions; and overall increased patient satisfaction.

Dr. Vinn also shares his experience and knowledge surrounding residentialist care and EHR systems with other physicians as president of The Residentialist Group, Inc., of Laguna Hills, Calif., a management group specializing in the development and operation of housecall programs.

"Caring for those who are confined to their homes due to age, illness or other factors involves analyzing clinical, psychosocial, nutritional and safety issues that factor into care options," says Dr. Vinn. "Despite these challenges, there is nothing more rewarding than helping a patient receive the best possible quality of health care at a time when they are most in need of it."

Awards and HonorsDr. Vinn is often recognized for his advocacy for seniors and homebound patients. In 2011, he received the Orange County Senior Care Humanitarian Award. He also was recognized for his work in fulfilling the health care needs of senior citizens by being honored at the 2008 South County Senior Services' Captain's Ball Gala, which honors those who exemplify outstanding service and commitment to seniors in the community. Dr. Vinn was chosen for this honor for creating a collaborative clinical model to coordinate care of homebound patients with other members of the health care delivery team.

A fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), Dr. Vinn also was honored as Physician of the Year by the ACOFP of California in 2009. That same year he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC).

Professional Affiliations A longtime member of the AOA Board of Trustees, Dr. Vinn has served the Board in many capacities, including chair of the Department of Research, Quality and Public Health; chair of the Department of Educational Affairs; and chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.

In addition to his involvement with the AOA, Dr. Vinn is a past president of the OPSC and a founding member of the American Osteopathic Association of Medical Informatics.

EducationAfter receiving his undergraduate degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Dr. Vinn earned his osteopathic medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his postdoctoral medical training at what is now Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Mich. He later attended the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, where he obtained a master of business administration degree.

FamilyDr. Vinn resides in San Clemente with his wife Marsha. Aside from the younger Dr. Vinn, they have two other daughters-Danielle, and Lily.

About the House of DelegatesThe AOA's House of Delegates, comprised of more than 500 delegates representing osteopathic state medical associations, specialty societies, interns, residents and students from throughout the country, meets annually in July to set organizational policies and elect new officers.

About the American Osteopathic AssociationThe American Osteopathic Association (AOA) proudly represents its professional family of more than 104,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on DOs/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.